Pattaya police have arrested over 50 individuals as part of a major crime and drug crackdown during Operation “Parasite Clean-up Part 2” in the Jomtien area.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, Chief of the Chonburi Provincial Police, spearheaded the large-scale operation aimed at combating criminal activities in Jomtien, specifically in Soi 2, 3, and 4 of Pattaya. The operation involved over 900 officers, supported by drug-sniffing dogs.
These alleys have been under police scrutiny due to reports of open drug dealing and multiple arrests earlier in December. The area, characterized by five-story buildings housing businesses such as beer bars, restaurants, laundry shops, and massage parlors on the ground floors and living spaces above, has seen significant decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many buildings remain abandoned or dilapidated, attracting squatters and illegal activities. Unlike other parts of Pattaya and Jomtien, the area has struggled to recover economically and remains a hub for illicit behavior, according to authorities.
During the operation, police disrupted communication by cutting internet, water, and electricity in certain areas. They conducted thorough searches of buildings, seizing illegal items, including weapons and drug paraphernalia, and testing individuals for drug use. Some suspects were caught using methamphetamine or behaving erratically, while others were found in possession of drugs.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit emphasized that the operation’s goal was to eradicate all forms of crime, including drug offenses and weapon possession. Over 50 arrests were made during the crackdown.
Looking ahead, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit announced plans to address the root causes of these issues using the “Jomtien Soi 3 Model.” This strategy involves high-impact, surprise raids in known problem areas to eliminate drug-related activities. Following the crackdown, authorities intend to collaborate with business owners and city officials to restore the area, encourage the reopening of family-friendly establishments, and revitalize the local economy.
